Pakistan Deploys Troops and Jets to Saudi Arabia Amid Strategic Defense Pact

Military Deployment in Saudi Arabia

A military unit from Pakistan, consisting of approximately 13,000 personnel and between 10 to 18 aircraft, has arrived in Saudi Arabia. This contingent is set to be stationed at the King Abdulaziz Air Base located in the eastern region of the kingdom. This deployment is part of a strategic defense agreement established between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia last year, which stipulates that an attack on one nation will be viewed as an attack on the other.

The purpose of this deployment is to bolster military collaboration, enhance operational readiness, and promote security and stability both regionally and internationally, as stated by the Saudi Ministry of Defence. A government representative from Pakistan has also verified the dispatch of troops and aircraft to Saudi Arabia under this strategic defense pact.

Last month, Pakistan had previously sent military personnel and aircraft to Saudi Arabia, but the announcement was only made public recently by Saudi officials. According to international relations expert Mohammad Mehdi, 'At least 13,000 Pakistani soldiers and 10 to 18 fighter jets have landed in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, around 10,000 soldiers were already stationed there, and this arrangement is part of the defense agreement between the two nations.'

Furthermore, Pakistan has dispatched missile interceptors to Saudi Arabia last month in response to Iran's attacks on American bases in the Gulf, as reported by another official.

Saudi Arabia has faced attacks from Iran as retaliation for recent US-Israeli military operations over the past month, with drone and missile strikes targeting various locations, particularly the Prince Sultan air base.